MORE

Contact Oklahoma Governor’s Office and Urge Him to Sign No Pay/No Play Legislation

House Bill 1021 is nearing passage in the Oklahoma legislature. The bill provides that persons not carrying insurance as required by state law be disallowed from unfairly benefiting from others who have followed the law.

Many observers believe that Gov. Brad Henry is strongly considering vetoing the bill if it makes it to his desk. This is is due mainly because our opponents are confusing the issue by making claims about the bill, which are not based on what the bill actually says.

NAMIC encourages its members to tell the governor that HB 1021 is good public policy that will reduce the number of uninsured drivers, and that he should sign the bill.

Take Action

There are two easy ways to take action. First, you can access the “Message to the Governor” feature on his webpage and leave a message asking him to sign HB 1021 when it gets to his desk, or you can call 405-521-2342.

In either case, explain that HB 1021 is a balanced effort to reduce the number of uninsured drivers while still providing important protections for those injured in accidents.

Those who want to send a formal letter should either fax it to 405-521-3353 or mail it to his office at the State Capitol Building (2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 212, Oklahoma City, OK 73105).

Talking Points

HB 1021 is the result of careful deliberation and compromise. It is designed to encourage owners of vehicles to comply with the law by obtaining insurance. It is important to know what HB 1021 does not do.

It does not hurt the families of an uninsured driver. The uninsured driver is still allowed to collect lost wages, and medical bills and car damages will be covered. The uninsured driver just won’t receive damages for “pain and suffering.”

It does not protect drunk drivers or criminals. The bill has an exception if the other driver was drunk. There are other exceptions in the bill for hit and run accidents, accidents that were intentionally caused, and those that are the result of drivers using their vehicle to commit a felony.

It does not impact pedestrians, children, or other passengers (those who have not broken the law by not purchasing the legally required insurance). They are allowed to collect full damages.

We have come so far because of the grassroots efforts of you and your peers. Please take one more action.